Transfer insider Fabrizio Romano has confirmed Manchester United remain active in the race to sign West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes this summer.
Romano describes the 21-year-old Portuguese star as “one of the most wanted midfielders on the market” as the battle for his signature intensifies.
Tottenham have moved into pole position for Fernandes, with Romano confirming Spurs are “pushing” for the player and want him alongside Sandro Tonali rather than instead of him.
Despite that, United have refused to walk away and still believe they can hijack Tottenham’s move with a bid of their own.
Romano was clear that the situation remains fluid, stating: “Manchester United remain in contact with the agent of the player, Jorge Mendes.”
He added: “Manchester United are yet to give up, so the story is still open.”
United’s pursuit of midfield reinforcements is driven by a significant rebuild under Michael Carrick, with Casemiro’s departure on a free already confirmed and Manuel Ugarte expected to follow.
The club has been linked with a wide range of targets including Felix Nmecha, Adam Wharton, Sandro Tonali, Carlos Baleba, Alex Scott, Aurelien Tchouameni and Fernandes, with reports suggesting United are prepared to invest as much as £150m on the position in total.
Kobbie Mainoo and Bruno Fernandes are set to remain, but the midfield requires significant depth before the window closes and Champions League football returns.
An Ederson deal from Atalanta is reportedly close to completion, with the Brazilian set to join for around £35m once his World Cup campaign concludes.
United had initially targeted Elliot Anderson but dropped out of the race once it became clear a club record bid would be required, with Manchester City subsequently agreeing a fee of around £116m for the England star.
West Ham boss Nuno Espirito Santo was full of praise for Fernandes ahead of the player’s international debut earlier this year, giving a strong indication of his quality.
“He’s having a fantastic season, he works hard, and he’s very talented and disciplined,” Nuno said of the Portuguese midfielder.
“Hopefully, he can help the national team. I’m very, very happy for him. He deserves it,” he added.
Fernandes recorded 2.9 tackles per game in the Premier League last season, which was considerably more than any other West Ham player, and he also ranked third for interceptions and sixth for fouls.
Meanwhile, United are also clearing deadwood, with goalkeeper Andre Onana, 30, close to securing a second loan spell at Trabzonspor after previously helping the Turkish side finish third in the Super Lig and win the Turkish Cup.
Onana joined United from Inter Milan in a £47million deal in the summer of 2023 and holds a contract until 2028, but appears to have no future at Old Trafford following the arrival of Senne Lammens.
Turkey international Altay Bayindir has also been linked with an Old Trafford exit, while veteran goalkeeper Tom Heaton, 40, has signed a one-year contract extension to provide cover.
United’s players not involved in the World Cup are due to report back for pre-season training on July 9.